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Sharif, of Ledbury Close in Ladywood, attempted to challenge his convictions at London's Court of Appeal on Wednesday, arguing they were "unsafe".

Judge Nicholas Cooke QC told the court one of Sharif's complaints was that, while he is originally from Sudan, the 10-year-old victim described his accent as Jamaican, while his father believed it was Nigerian.

However, the judge said that was "no basis" to appeal against his conviction, adding: "It was for the jury to assess, as they no doubt did."

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Sitting with Lord Justice Flaux and Mr Justice Langstaff, he concluded: "The complaints made do not give rise to any arguable appeal against conviction, or put the safety of these convictions in any doubt."

The judges also rejected a bid by Sharif to have his jail term cut, saying it was justified.